IVV vs TMAR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, IVV or TMAR?
Each has led over a different period.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over the full window, TMAR over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | TMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.95% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $19M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 508 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +12.39% | +16.62%Best |
| 1Y Return | +16.61% | +20.60%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.38% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.51% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.0% | 7.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -9.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.5 years | $13,538Best | $13,465 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 21, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 24, 2025 to Sep 18, 2026 (1.5 years).
IVV vs TMAR growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.5 years both funds cover.
IVV vs TMAR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +16.61% while TMAR returned +20.60%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.39% versus a gain of 16.62% for TMAR.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.0% compared with 7.7% for TMAR. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -13.7% for IVV and -9.9% for TMAR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while TMAR charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $95 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.06% against 0.00% for TMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IVV and TMAR you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or TMAR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while TMAR charges 0.95%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVV or TMAR?
Over the past year IVV returned +16.61% vs +20.60% for TMAR, so TMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +22.38% vs +21.94% for TMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IVV or TMAR?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 12.0% annualized versus 7.7% for TMAR. Worst drawdown: IVV -13.7% vs TMAR -9.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and TMAR?
IVV and TMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or TMAR?
IVV yields 1.06% while TMAR yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is TMAR better than IVV?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over the full window, TMAR over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.